Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action โ helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future. Mercy Corps is a recognized global leader in Market Systems Development (MSD) where we apply a systemic, inclusive approach to catalyze sustainable improvements in markets that benefit vulnerable groupsโparticularly women and youth. Resilience building is an agency priority and involves using a systems-based approach that builds on proven solutions, accesses new ideas and information, and integrates multiple sectors and partnerships to strengthen food and water security, economic opportunities, and climate change adaptation. Southern Africa continues to experience recurrent environmental, economic and social shocks affecting the wellbeing of its communities and undermining development investments. Mercy Corps will continue to contribute to the well-being of rural and urban communities by building household capacities and strengthening systems and institutions. The Program / Department / Team The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)-funded Building Enterprise Development and Employment Creation program (BEDEC) aims to increase the productivity and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agricultural sector, thereby driving income growth and productive employment in the Zambian economy. BEDEC will target over 100,000 SMEs, with a particular focus on women and youth. Specifically, BEDEC supports SMEs in becoming more productive and competitive by improving their access to key services for smallholder farmers, youth, and women. The program promotes SME growth to enhance employment opportunities and strengthens enabling environments and institutional capacity for SMEs within Zambiaโs economy. BEDEC employs a strong and rigorous market systems development approach, playing a key facilitation role to drive scale, sustainability, and impact. The Position The Senior Operations Officer is a senior management position on the Mercy Corps Zambia which ensures the operations and security resources are planned and utilized towards effective program support. The Senior Operations Officer plays a key role in the overall leadership of the country program under the guidance of the Team Leader. As a member of the senior management team at the country level, the Senior Operations Officer shares the overall responsibility for the direction and coordination of the Mercy Corps in-country operation and security activities. The role provides key support to the entire country program in procurement, asset, warehouse, fleet and facilities management, as well as safety and security management for successful program implementation. The role ensures that Mercy Corps Program support is planned and executed with quality, accountability, and measurable efficiency. Essential Responsibilities
STRATEGIC OVERSIGHT Strategic oversight, direction and advice on all aspects of Mercy Corps operations management, aiming at the achievement of the following results:
Ensure effective management of administrative / logistics resources and reporting in a systematic, transparent and efficient manner to country management. Responsible for the provision of high quality and timely procurement and other program support. Exercising oversight over procurement processes and logistics ensuring compliance with Mercy Corps procurement policies and procedures as well as donor rules and regulations. Oversee provision of transport and travel support (international and domestic). Oversight on maintenance of proper custody of Mercy Corps assets, warehouse inventory, and general inventory. TEAM MANAGEMENT Develop the capacity of the team, deepen understanding of their roles, and assist with career development. Assist team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance and reach their objectives. Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one-on-one and performance reviews. Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence. Hire, orient and lead team members as necessary. Work with all Mercy Corps staff to ensure smooth introduction and adoption of operational systems. PROGRAM SUPPORT Work closely with the program team, and other head of departments to ensure smooth, efficient and effective implementation of programs Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources. Ensure that the country has operational capacities (human and technical) for smooth program operations. Ensure internal and donor procedures, policies, and guidelines are followed. Support the country start up process and the set-up of new field offices (if applicable) including ICT and logistics and administrative functions Provide support to programs in developing and periodically reviewing procurement plans Oversee databases management for procurement, ICT, and logistics documents. Standardize procedures and tools across all offices. Ensure proper archiving of operations documents for potential audit purpose (keep record of both hard and soft copies of documents Actively participate in coordination meetings with program and other departmentsโ leads SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work. Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members.